Flyin’ Solo

“The person who tries to live alone will not succeed as a human being. His heart withers if it does not answer another heart. His mind shrinks away if he hears only the echoes of his own thoughts and finds no other inspiration.” – Pearl S. Buck

I’m all about being alone and making time for reflection (obviously, given the nature of my blog). I knew when I started freelancing that working from home rather than in an office would be a huge adjustment, and it was one that I eagerly embraced.

After two and a half years of flyin’ solo in my career, I don’t miss the office politics, gossip, and drama – what I do miss is being part of a wider community on a regular basis. I am very lucky to have wonderfully supportive friends and colleagues in the industry I can turn to at any time.

But on particularly long work days, when I’m sequestered in my apartment, I miss having a group of people around. I took some time this week to really think about this aspect of freelancing and what can be done to remedy the feeling of isolation. I realized that while I still love editing in the comfort of my home by myself, I need to carve out more time to spend on activities that require being around and engaging with lots of other people.

I had the chance to check out some great live music this week – Band of Skulls and Tallest Man on Earth. Being surrounded by a group of people all in a similar head space was just what I needed to kick-start my motivation, even though the activity had nothing to do with my work. Live music is what I love, and I’ll continue to make time for it.

Feed off others to fire your passion and your motivation. Get out of your head for a while.

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As I read this I felt it important to add, when you are on your own, you are never alone, as you are in the company of your self. Good for you for recognizing the importance of balance, and thank you for sharing it. :)

Rachel – your message hits home on many levels. I guess that’s why you find so many freelancers at your local coffee joints and Starbucks (me being one). I had to keep shifting from coffee house to coffee house so I wouldn’t wear out my welcome ;) I did find it very difficult at times but I did find ways to adjust – I have personally visited every local library in the city! I’m not sure if you’re aware, but there are like minded individuals who lease out office space and share the costs of a receptionist, internet, photocopiers, etc. It gives people a chance to keep independent but still work in space with others.

I have the bad habit of talking and singing to myself while I am working, kind of an auto all systems operational thing. I don’t know how that would sit if I worked with others in an office or other place. My singing by the way is never good, at any time.